Doilies can be used as appliqués or turned into lace cuffs.
Outdated men's coats and tweed blazers can be turned into vests and newsboy's caps or cut into flower shapes, which can be used to decorate a plain coat or sweater.
Men's cotton shirts can be cut up for various purposes. 100 percent cotton shirts can become quilt projects, or shirt collars or sleeves can be replaced with a different style.
Even limited sewing skills can go a long way. Replacing standard buttons can make a dull jacket special.